Data Science

Course Overview

Data science can be described, in simple terms, as the study of data. Data scientists are in high demand because they can interrogate data and use analytics to find patterns, trends and relationships in data sets. This information can then be used in everything from predicting consumer behaviour, to accelerating the development of promising new drugs.

This degree gives you a strong grounding in the technologies and systems that underpin data recording, storage and analysis, so you can provide valuable support to organisations wanting to use data to help with their decision-making.

More placements, more choices

Bucks is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student. To increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.

Course Details

UCAS CODE: DSC1

Wide-ranging applications

We will look at how large amounts of complex data can be exposed to statistical analysis and computational processing to disclose meaningful information for organisations.

You will also be able to explore the many contexts and uses of data analysis across different industries, from how it is being used in banking to help with fraud detection, to understanding how investors are able to use a combination of big data and artificial intelligence to make more informed investment choices.

We will then explore how those technologies, information systems and different components can be used to transform data into significant information, to help stakeholders report findings and make evidence-based decisions.

In the final part of the course, you’ll get to specialise in the topics of most interest to you, whether that’s database development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing or network security. You’ll also work on an in-depth project, looking at a particular topic of your choosing, adding to your research, problem solving and critical analysis skills.

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will be a UCAS Tariff score of 80. A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

Course Modules

Module Map

This module map provides a list of the modules that make up your course.

Each module is worth a specified number of credits (typically either 15 or 30 credits for undergraduate courses). Compulsory (or ‘core’) modules cover key subject knowledge, while ‘option’ modules enable you to develop your own interests. For a full-time course you must take modules worth a total of 120 credits at each level of the course. The number of option modules you can take depends on the number of compulsory modules at each level. You can find more information about how your course is structured via the Academic Advice pages.

Our teaching is informed by research and employer requirements, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the subject area. In addition, where we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an option module, this may not be offered. If an option module does not run, we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

The modules available on this course are as follows:

Year 1 Modules

Computer Architectures

Programming Concepts

Database Design

Web Development

Networking

Application Programming

Data Warehousing

Digital Technologies and Professional Practice

Year 2 Modules

Web Applications

Big Data

Information Security

Business Intelligence

Data Presentation and Visualisation

Statistical Methods

Software Engineering

Intro to Intelligent Systems (Team Project)

Year 3 Modules

Project

Data Science (optional)

Database Development

Knowledge-Based Systems in A.I.

Cloud Computing (optional)

Legal Aspects of IT

Database Technologies (optional)

Learning Machines and Intelligent Agents (optional)

Network Security (optional)

Fees

How much does it cost

Full Time Home and EU, September 2019: £9,250 per year

Full Time International, September 2019: £12,000 per year

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

How do I apply?

Teaching team

The Big Deal

At Bucks, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why our Students’ Union have developed our exclusive ‘Big Deal’ package. We’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities – all to enrich the university experience.

We offer FREE events and entertainment, additional skills workshops, sports, recreational activities, societies and paid student rep schemes. All at one of the top 10 Students’ Unions in the UK. It’s a big deal!